I didn’t watch the Super Bowl. Don’t much care for politics. Honestly, other than the usual holidays, there isn’t a whole lot in 2018 that piques my interest.
Except for film.
Every year there are dozens of titles advertised that I simply can’t wait to experience in the dim light of the theater. And every year is a “big year” in its own right – here’s what’s so special about 2018 in film.
5. Ready Player One
Release date: March 29
Director: Steven Spielberg
As soon as the trailer dropped for the adaptation of Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One, most of the viewing public knew we were in for a treat. I was a bit more of a hard sell – until I saw the Iron Giant halfway through the teaser, that is. As soon as Vin Diesel was confirmed to voice him, Spielberg’s Ready Player One entered my top-five list.
4. Solo: A Star Wars Story
Release date: May 25
Director: Ron Howard
(SPOILERS for The Force Awakens, although I can’t imagine you care if you’ve waited this long to see it.) We were all saddened by the loss of Han Solo in J.J. Abrams’ 2015 foray into Star Wars territory. Less conservative fans of the franchise, though, are curious to know how the hero occupied his time before earning the title of scruffy-looking nerfherder. And that’s exactly what we’re getting, come May.
3. The Incredibles 2
Release date: June 15
Director: Brad Bird
Sequels are a risky business – especially when the original property is as beloved as 2004’s The Incredibles. However, considering Brad Bird’s revival of the Parr family was not rushed direct to DVD months after the first movie’s release, I believe it’s safe to say we’ll be impressed (or, at the very least, way too nostalgic to complain).
2. Bohemian Rhapsody.
Release date: December 25
Directors: Dexter Fletcher
This one may not be so well-known, but I’m anticipating it nonetheless. Personally, I subscribe to the school of thought that there never has been, nor is there, nor will there ever be a better singer than Freddie Mercury. My father and I mock his picket-fence teeth all the time, but nary a soul can comment on his golden vocals. His control was flawless; he had such range, such precision, such passion, such versatility. But, I’m getting sidetracked – Rami Malek is slated to portray the king of Queen in a biopic to be released on Christmas day, and I couldn’t be more ready to see it.
1. Avengers: Infinity War.
Release date: May 4
Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo
Come on. What else could I put at number one? I’ve been a diehard Marvel film fan since the first Avengers film in 2012 (though I wish I could say I’ve been a devotee since the days of Iron Man), and it’s all been leading to this year’s confrontation between the ever-growing team (with stars like these, well, who needs a press release?) and Thanos, the purple wrinkled thumb meme. (JK, he’s actually insanely powerful and it’s going to take like half of Hollywood to take him down.) I’m so there.
